Israel denies allegations that two tank shells hit a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, the Houthi militia attacks a container ship again. The overview.
While negotiations on a possible ceasefire in the Gaza Strip are progressing slowly, more and more people are falling victim to the ongoing fighting. According to the United Nations, nine people were killed in a fire at a facility run by the UN Palestinian relief agency UNRWA.
The training center in the Gaza Strip in the city of Chan Yunis was hit by two tank shells during fighting, said the aid agency’s Gaza director, Thomas White, on the X platform (formerly Twitter). According to this, around 800 displaced people sought protection in the facility. In addition to the dead, there are 75 injured. Now buildings are on fire, explained White.
The US government said in a statement it was “very concerned” about the shelling. “While we do not yet know all the details of what happened and will continue to seek more information about today’s events, the loss of every innocent life is a tragedy,” said National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson.
White did not write who he believed attacked the facility. Eyewitnesses told dpa that the fire was caused by Israeli bombing. When asked, the Israeli army said it was currently ruling out that the incident was due to an Israeli air or artillery attack. An investigation is ongoing. The army is also checking whether it could be a Hamas attack.
Negotiations: There is still a gap between Israel and Hamas
Several media outlets recently reported on hopes for another deal to release hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners and a longer ceasefire. However, an Israeli representative said, according to the news site “ynet”, that the gap between the negotiating positions of Israel and the Islamist Hamas is still very large. “You shouldn’t give anyone any illusions, it will take a very long time,” he said. Hamas has rejected an offer from Israel for a new hostage deal, Israeli broadcaster Kan reported.
During a week-long ceasefire at the end of November, Hamas released 105 hostages. In return, Israel released 240 Palestinian prisoners from prisons.
Israeli women demand the release of the hostages
Thousands of women demonstrated in Israel demanding a quick agreement to release the hostages. The organizers had declared a nationwide “Day of Rage”. The demonstrators blocked streets and intersections in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem and other cities. “Enough with the bloodshed, we want a deal on the table,” read one of the demonstrators’ signs.
Houthi militia attacks container ship again
Meanwhile, the Yemeni Houthi militia has again attacked a container ship in the Middle East, according to the US military. The militia fired three rockets from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen at a US-flagged freighter that was crossing the Gulf of Aden, the US military’s regional command said. One of the missiles fell into the sea, the other two were shot down by a US Navy destroyer. No injuries or damage to the ship were reported.
Since the beginning of the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, the Yemeni Houthis – out of solidarity with Hamas – have repeatedly attacked freighters with alleged ties to Israel in the Red Sea. In response, the US and Britain, with the support of allies, launched military strikes against the Iranian-backed militia in Yemen.
Houthis call on British and Americans to leave the country
The Houthis called on British and US staff from the United Nations and other aid organizations to leave areas under their control in Yemen. The dpa learned from pro-Iranian militia circles that the request was made in response to repeated attacks by the USA, Great Britain and other allies on Houthi targets in the country. Those affected should leave the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa within a month. “The British and Americans will leave safely,” it said. Nationals whose countries were not involved in the attacks were allowed to remain in the country.
UN court: decision on ceasefire on Friday
The International Court of Justice will announce its decision on Friday on an urgent request by South Africa to order an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza war. The United Nations’ highest court in The Hague has now announced the date. Two weeks ago, South Africa filed a genocide lawsuit against Israel and, in the urgent procedure, demanded immediate legal protection for the Palestinians as an interim measure.
The court has not yet decided on the main issue, the accusation of genocide, but initially only on the urgent application to end the military actions. Israel has firmly rejected South Africa’s accusation of systematically committing genocidal acts against the Palestinians. The trial of the main accusation can take years. Although a court decision is binding, the UN judges themselves have no power to enforce it. A negative decision could harm Israel and further increase international pressure on the country’s government.
What is important today
Negotiations for a new ceasefire appear to be underway. The Israeli military is carrying out a multi-day operation against Hamas in the west of Khan Yunis. Recently there was particularly fierce fighting in the area of the largest city in the south of the Gaza Strip. Thousands of Palestinians are currently fleeing the embattled city.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
